Women who shaped my first months at Mott MacDonald

Michaela Orsmond reflects on her first months as part of our team, and the women whose insights, expertise and generosity left a lasting impression.

As I reflect on the people who shape our industry, I’m reminded of how powerful everyday actions can be, particularly the ones that lift others up and create space for them to grow. By highlighting their impact, I hope to show the kind of culture we build when we invest in one another and the difference this makes across our teams and our profession.

When I joined our Defence team in Australia in 2025, I knew I was stepping into an environment that would be both new to me and technically complex. Coming from a defence capability delivery background, I was used to working with established infrastructure. Here, I found myself much closer to design and bare earth, and all the uncertainty and challenges that come with that. At times, it felt like lining up for a race with no real sense of the track ahead. 

There was a lot to learn, quickly. That challenge is what drew me in. It also meant I was immersed in the culture from day one. What I didn’t expect was how much my first few months would be shaped by the people around me. I found a strong and generous community at Mott MacDonald – one that takes the time to bring people in, rather than expecting them to find their own way. From conversations since, I know this is a shared experience for others who join the team. 

There are many who supported me in my first months, and I want to express my gratitude to those whose encouragement and dedication truly stood out. Their time, insight and willingness to support someone new shaped how I experienced my first few months. None of them needed to step in; they chose to. This is a reflection on the impact they’ve had.

Tina Eddowes, Technical director, programme management 

Tina brings a depth of expertise that is rare, particularly in the Australian context. In my first few weeks, she took the time to walk me through complex nuclear frameworks and site requirements with patience and clarity. At that stage, I was still finding my feet, and what stayed with me was how deliberately she made that knowledge accessible – taking something highly technical and making it understandable, without ever losing its rigour.

Cammie Comber, Technical director, project management 

Cammie’s impact on me was immediate. She brings focus and momentum, particularly when it comes to building teams. What stood out to me was her commitment to creating opportunities, actively shaping pathways for veterans and those returning to the workforce. It speaks to a broader view of what good team growth looks like.

Clare Campbell, Project coordinator, Defence 

Clare brings consistency and structure to a fast-paced environment. At times when priorities shift quickly, she keeps the team aligned, anticipates what’s needed and steps in before issues arise. There is a reliability in the way she works that makes a real difference, particularly when managing competing priorities across a national team.

Emily White, Prospects and submissions manager 

Working with Emily brought a new level of discipline to how I approached proposals. Her way of working reminds me of a plans room – ideas, themes and strategies mapped out with absolute clarity. She helps our teams to draw out what really matters, shaping how we understand our clients’ needs and respond to their challenges with something that is thoughtful, cohesive and grounded in real insight.

Barnali Ghosh, Technical director, ground engineering 

Barnali brings deep experience and carries it lightly. There is a calm confidence in how she approaches challenges, combined with a clear understanding of what matters to clients. Her impact comes through in the quality of her thinking and her ability to stay grounded, even in complex situations.

Kiki Pattenden, Global market leader, water resources  

Kiki reached out before we had even met, creating an early sense of connection. That openness set the tone. She is generous with her networks and insights, and approaches collaboration in a way that feels both natural and intentional.

Madeleine Rawlins, Global practice leader, climate change and sustainability 

Madeleine brings a strong sense of presence, even in busy and demanding environments. During an intensive international forum – fast-paced and at times overwhelming – she made time to connect, share perspectives and support others. It’s a reminder that taking a moment to invest in people can have a lasting impact.

Frances Badelow, Managing director, Australia 

Frances is one of the reasons I chose to join Mott MacDonald. She brings together incredible technical expertise and a clear, confident leadership style. Early on, I had the opportunity to present alongside her, and what stood out was how she balanced guidance with trust. She sets high standards and creates an environment where people feel empowered and capable of meeting them.

Looking back, what stands out is the lasting influence of the people around me. These women made time, shared knowledge and offered perspective – not because they were asked to, but because they saw the value in doing so. 

Each brings something different and together they reflect the kind of culture I’ve experienced since joining. One where people invest in each other, and where that investment strengthens the work we do. 

It gives me a strong sense of what’s possible here, and a genuine excitement for what’s ahead.